Winbo's studies aim to better treat children who suffer cardiac inherited diseases, particularly long QT syndrome (LQTS), which mostly affects children and young adults with frequent faints, but sometimes results in sudden death. Each year, an estimated 100 people aged between one and 35 years old die from sudden or unexpected cardiac death. Because the syndrome, characterised by abnormal electrical activity in the heart, is typically inherited, each child of an affected parent has a 50 per cent chance of suffering it. By better understanding the links between neurons and heart cells, the researchers hope to reveal the arrhythmia mechanics at play, and ultimately guide the way to new, disease-specific therapies for the syndrome. Winbo said the Cardiac Inherited Disease Group (CIDG) she's part of draws on a registry of Kiwi patients, with genetic profiles unique to New Zealand.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 25, 2017 07:11 UTC